Jesus Christ taught us how to become disciples and make disciples. (Matthew 28:18) Following his example, we live and teach a life of discipleship that includes worship and prayer (Up), growth in faith and relationships, (In) and service to others (Out). (Luke 6:12-19)
We believe that every baptized child of God is also a disciple (learner/follower) of Jesus. At St. Mark’s we encourage everyone to practice faith at home and live a life of discipleship that follows the Up-In-Out life of Jesus.
3-Dimensional Life of Jesus
The Triangle represents the life of Jesus and provides a model of discipleship.
UP – Worship – This is our vertical connection to God. Jesus maintained a relationship with God the Father through worship and prayer. Following his example, a life of discipleship begins in Sabbath rest with God through worship, prayer, and reflection.
IN – Community – Jesus had close friends and taught them how to imitate his life, recognize the Kingdom of God and live a life of mission. Our relationship with Christ and other disciples is central to our identity as the people of God. In community we find strength, bear one another’s burdens, celebrate joyful blessings, and grow together in faith.
OUT – Outreach – Empowered by the love of God and inspired by the example of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit motivates us to love our neighbor, serve our community, and make a difference in the world. We participate in God’s activity in the world by working for justice, feeding the hungry, sharing the good news, and inviting others into our community.
Discipleship Small Groups
We also have discipleship small groups where people learn how to recognize a God moment or “Kairos”. The more we pay attention to what God is doing in us and around us – the more we will grow, understand, and know what God is calling us to do. To learn more about St. Mark’s Kairos Groups, click on the tab above.
Kairos groups specifically train and develop disciple leaders who can teach others how to have a closer relationship with God through:
- Kairos Breakthroughs – How to recognize God moments and what to do about them.
- The Rhythm of Life – The importance of Sabbath and how to work from a place of rest.
- 3 Dimensional Living – Following the life of Jesus and intentionally spending time with God (Up), time learning and growing in faith with others (In), and time serving the world (Out).
- Your Personal Calling – What is your purpose and ministry in life?
- Definitive Prayer – Praying the Lord’s Prayer with deeper meaning and focus.
- Spiritual Health – Is your spiritual life dead or dying? Or is it healthy, alive, and kicking?
For more information about Kairos Groups, contact our Director of Discipleship and Faith Formation, Katie Rivers
The Learning Circle
St. Mark’s Adult Faith Formation program offers a wide range of classes to support lifelong learning. Classes cover a variety of topics including different books and themes in the bible, theology, discipleship, and life application. This Discipleship Curriculum provides opportunity for people to grow in knowledge, understanding, and faith in a Sunday morning classroom setting.
Adult Faith Formation classes meet Sunday mornings at 9:45 and are taught by pastors and members of the congregation. The current classes are:
A Journey away from Racism—Join the Racial Healing Team in this study about the history of racism in our country and community. This class will meet in the Fellowship Hall for the month of June.
Nooma—Each week watch a video by Rob Bell and join in the discussion about different aspects about our faith. James Aydelotte will lead this class in the Library for the month of June.
Some classes that were offered in the last year include:
- Covenant & Kingdom
- 7 Faith Practices
- The Parables of Jesus
- Islam: What all Christians should know
- Luther’s Small Catechism
- Science, Evolution, and Creationism
- Sing for Joy: Music and Liturgy
- Justice for All
- Lutheran Theology
- Embracing Spiritual Awakening
Ecumenical Christian Discipleship Center
In partnership with churches in our neighborhood, this initiative develops disciples through Christian educational opportunities that are:
- Spiritually Relevant
- Intellectually Stimulating
- Personally Challenging
The Christian Discipleship Center seeks to grow followers of Christ by offering classes specifically designed to help participants grow as disciples. These classes offer learners a challenging in-depth study to help them better or more effectively:
- Understand their faith
- Live out their faith
- Share their faith with others
For more information about the Christian Discipleship Center, please contact our Ministry Coordinator, Katherine Laveck.
St. Mark’s Young Adult Ministry (Y.A.M.S) is a group of young adults in their 20s and 30s who gather together for activities centered around faith, fun, and service. You can find the Y.A.M.s hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway, talking about God in a local brewery, or helping with yard work at church. For more information and to stay connected with the Y.A.M.s:
College Ministry — Twice a year, St. Mark’s sends care packages to our members and friends who are away at college. Filled with treats, faith formation resources, and notes of encouragement, the boxes help us to stay connected and support students. St. Mark’s is also a church home away from home for students at UNCA. College Ministry supports them also with care packages, as well as welcoming and including them into our church family.